Medway 33 Old Williamsonians 10 - Kent League Division 3 Knock Out Cup Final
Saturday saw the final of the Division 3 Knock Out Cup take place at the Garrison Stadium, Chatham. The weather was excellent and underfoot conditions superb.
Local rivals Medway and Williamsonians had won through to contest this final. A bumper crowd were treated to an excellent match. Both sides were keen to play an expansive game. Medway started favourites having narrowly defeated Williamsonians twice in the league.
The first 10 minutes saw both sides testing each other. Williamsonians put width on the ball early. Rob Ellis, Simon Rumsey and Rob Longstaffs defensive skills were tested but they stood firm. Medway were however penalised for hands in a ruck and the Williamsonians fly half kicked the penalty to put his side 3-0 ahead. Williamsonians continued to press with the breeze at their back but could not break Medway.
After 22 minutes Medway broke out Glen Wadsworth kicked ahead Simon Rumsey gathered and went under the posts. Dafydd Ruffel added the conversion to make the score 7-3. The match flowed from end to end but Medway were starting to dominate the contact area with Steve Smith, and man of the match Liam Weobley outstanding. Medway were next to score. Some good interplay between backs and forwards saw Rob Ellis go over. Ruffel missed the conversion and Medway led 12-3. Medway were reduced to 14 men shortly afterwards when lock Dean Morris was sin binned for pulling down the maul at a ruck.
Williamsonians pressed to take advantage by kicking deep into Medways 22but Anthony Cross, in consecutive lineouts, rose to steal Williamsonians ball. Good line kicking from Wadsworth relieved the pressure. Medway survived to the half and went in leading by 12-3.
The second half began with Medway pressing but an unforced handling error saw the Williamsonian 10 break out kick ahead the bounce wrong footed the defence, Williamsonians gathered and scored under the post. The successful conversion brought the score back to 12-10.
Medway were stung into action. The forwards were now dominating the set piece with Peter Deacon, Dominic Collins and Mark Krasj prominent. This gave the platform for some rampaging runs from centre Monish Shone who punched through Williamsonians defensive line on several occasions well supported by centre partner Danny Williams. Weobley Collins and Morris were influential in clearing the ruck area. Medway dominated and stretched the opposition defence time and again. Scores looked likely first Mark Krasj drove over after a series of phases near the line quickly followed by Rob Ellis for his second from a well worked blindside move. Ruffell converted both and Medway were ahead 26-10.
In the heat of the day Medway were keen to maintain momentum. Fresh legs in the form of Dave Evans, Spencer Lancaster and Ian Pinder were introduced. Each made telling contributions with their vigour and enthusiasm. The pressure was all on Williamsonians. Although being pounded they defended very well and kept Medway at bay with excellent last ditch tackling. Eventually however the pressure had to tell. The final score of the game went to No 8 Billy Humphrey. A 5 metre scrum saw Medway drive over with good control from Humphrey. Ruffel kicked the conversion and the match was won by Medway by 33-10.
Medway coach Taff Gwilliam added that this was a fitting finale to the season. This young vibrant team has worked hard and proved themselves capable of rising to a challenge. Winning the league and cup double gives the whole of Medway RFC the boost it needs to once again move forward at senior level. The strength of the youth section is now starting to shine through into the senior ranks.
Bexley 5 Medway 89 - Kent League 3 Cup
Medway travelled to Bexley on Saturday to take on the Division 3 runners up in one of the semi finals of the league cup.Medway having won one and lost one in previous league encounters with Bexley were expecting a tough encounter. Training during the week had been well attended and preparation for the game was good.
In perfect underfoot playing conditions Medway kicked off into a slight breeze. The Medway forwards look to dominate the set piece and give quality ball for the backs to play with width. Bexley started their game missing key front row personnel and their player coach at fly half. This clearly undermined their ability to take on the highly motivated Medway team.
Medway dominated every aspect of play. Deacon, Collins and Head dominated the scrummaging up front. Cross and Weobly not only won quality ball in the lineouts off their own ball but both stole opposition ball at key times. Being on the front foot this gave a platform for Humphrey, Morris and man of the match Weobly to carry powerfully over the gain line. With their scrummage under pressure the home No 8 was forced to pick up going backwards on numerous occasions only for Smith to down him before he could get over the gain line.
With total dominance in the set piece and contact areas the Medway backs were provided with a lot of good quality ball. Good distribution from Ruffel gave Wadsworth the opportunity use his backs to good effect. Tries came at regular intervals. The tries backed up by excellent goal kicking from Ruffel saw Medway go in at half time at 44 points to nil up. Ellis, Humphrey, Collins, Weobley, Morris, Ruffel and Williams all went over for tries.
The second half proved to follow the same pattern as the first. Medway dominated the set piece. Credit must go to Bexley who despite struggling always tried to play Rugby. They held their discipline and pride and were rewarded for this with a well taken try following a short period of sustained pressure on Medway’s line.
Either side of Bexley’s brief period of dominance Medway continued to play at a high tempo and with good width. Ellis, Smith, Wadsworth, Rumsey and Burnley added tries. Burnley finished with a personal tally of 4. Ruffel added the conversions often from the touchline and Medway ran out deserved winners by 89 points to 5.
Debutant 17 year old Francis Guttierez although not on the score sheet showed glimpses of what he is capable of and is another young player at the club seeking to force his way into the first XV squad.
This was an excellent all round team performance. This will provide the team with a much needed boost of confidence before they take on Division One Champions and national EDF Vase semi-finalists Whitstable in the Kent Vase on April 11th.
The Whitstable match is to be played under floodlights at Priestfields, Rochester Kick Off 7-30.
Sevenoaks Extra 1sts 29 Medway 7
This was a hugely entertaining game with both sides showing full commitment on a perfect day for running rugby.
Having gained promotion from Kent Division 3 Medway took an experimental team to Sevenoaks, giving some players a chance to experience first team rugby against a very able, competent and skilled Sevenoaks side.
Playing up the slope and against the wind in the first half Medway showed real grit and determination in defending their line against a very confident opposition and as the game progressed started to threaten with some enterprising play of their own as their pack drove back the home sides big forwards. Unfortunately it was not going to be Medway’s day when they began to be struck with unfortunate injuries to some of their key players. Centre Danny Williams injured his knee after 15 minutes and gamely played on until half time, although he was severely restricted. After 27 minutes of repeated Sevenoaks attack their very talented stand off, Barber, sliced through a tired defence to score the first try, which was converted. 5 minutes later Medway then lost their outstanding forward, Liam Weobley, to a nasty knee injury which saw him immediately removed from the field. As Medway reorganised from this latest blow Sevenoaks struck again in the far corner for another well converted score. HT -14 -0.
The second half saw Medway reapply themselves to the task and put the Sevenoaks team on the back foot and from broken play a kick ahead by Medway saw the Sevenoaks backs make a marvellous counter attack, which after 10 passes saw them score a glorious, unconverted try. However Medway’s heads did not drop and their forward pressure made Sevenoaks concede a number of penalties and from one of these they took a tap penalty and this resulted in young No. 8 Billy Humphries crashing over for a fine try. This was immaculately converted from the touchline by David Ruffell. Just as you thought Medway were going to really menace the opposition line fate struck another blow as Lock Forward, Dino Morris, who had been playing with real vigour and menace, received a neck injury and the Medway coaching team decided to withdraw him from the field, which meant that for the last 20 minutes of the game they had only 14 players.
Inevitably this told and Sevenoaks scored a try from a back move that went wrong and the misdirected pass wrong footed the Medway defenders as it broke to Sevenoaks advantage. Then on the final whistle they scored a close range try as the task became too much for the valiant Medway pack of 7.
Despite the score line the Medway team can look back with satisfaction on the performances of skipper Dom Collins, who typically led from the front and all the players, particularly youngsters Kraisj, Rumsey, Turmlund and Humphreys. They now know that there is real potential pushing for places in next season’s first team.
Medway 39 Kings College Hospital 0 - Kent League Division 3
Medway took on Kings College Hospital at Priestfield on Saturday knowing that victory would secure the divisional title for them. The first encounter between these two sides had been a narrow hard fought victory for Medway and so a tough return game was expected. The final score of 39-0 does not reflect how well contested this match was. Medway were just clinical in their finishing, producing one of the best performances of the season in scoring 6 tries against a visiting side who always looked to play good rugby.
The match kicked off in ideal playing conditions for open rugby. Both sides looked to play an expansive game and the afternoon was an entertaining delight for the large crowd who had gathered for this Mick Burford memorial match.
Medway opened the scoring after 10 minutes when quick ball from the breakdown was played wide for Rumsey to round his marker and score the first of his three tries. The try was unconverted and Medway led 5-0. Within five minutes Medway scored the second try of the afternoon in almost identical fashion this time it was Williams who went over in the corner. Wadsworth kicked the conversion from the touchline to put the home side 12-0 up.
Medway went further ahead when Wadsworth kicked a penalty following a handling offence at the breakdown by the visitors. At 15-0 Medway appeared to be in control but the visitors to their credit came back hard. Sustained pressure saw Medway concede a number of penalties. The visitors spurned the easy kicking opportunity to go for the corner on at least three occasions. Medway’s defence however proved resolute and from a breakout Williams scored his second try of the afternoon with Wadsworth adding the conversion. Medway now led 22-0 and were looking to totally dominate the match however Morris was rightly penalised for dangerous play and the home side were reduced to 14 for the rest of the match.
On the stroke of half time Rumsey went over again following good handling by both forwards and backs. The try was unconverted leaving the half time score at 27-0.
The second half was as keenly contested as the first. Kings looked to stretch the home side but Burnley, Kempt and Weobly were strong in the tackled forcing a number of turnovers. Captain Dominic Collins marshalled his teams defence well. Despite being a man short in the pack Deacon, Head, Smith, Lancaster upped their work to ensure the visitors did not get the set piece upper hand.
For the first 15 minutes of the second half their was nothing to choose between the two side then good work from Longstaff and Ellis put Humphrey away who did well to break a number of tackles and score under the posts. Wadsworth again kicked the conversion and Medway were ahead 34-0.
Although 34-0 the visitors did not give up they looked to play the game wide and stretch the depleted home side. Medway fully utilised their bench bringing on Krasij and Pinder to give the forwards fresh legs. Worthington joined the fray shortly afterwards and all three gave the team the fresh legs that was needed to close the game out.
The final score of the day saw Rumsey complete his hatrick with a short range break from a scrum. This was unconverted and Medway were worthy winners by 39-0 against s visiting team who never gave up and showed commendable spirit with their endeavour to play good rugby.
Medway’s young team were crowned divisional champions. This was just reward for a young committed team who have improved tremendously as the season has gone on.
Medway 14 Park House 7 - Kent Vase
High flying Kent Division 1 team Park House were sent tumbling out of the Vase competition on Saturday in a shock defeat at the Priestfields ground. Park House stated they were missing a number of regular players but must have still thought that they would have enough to see off the Division 3 leaders Medway who have injury problems of their own.
Playing in greasy underfoot conditions Medway chose to play into the wind in the first half. They took the game to the visitors and dominated the opening exchanges, particularly in the tight, with the front 5 of Deacon, Collins, Head, Morris and Smith prominent. The early pressure told forcing the visitors to concede penalties. Wadsworth kicked two and Medway led 6-0.
Park House were stung into action and looked to pin Medway back sending their back row and inside centre on powerful runs. Medway’s defence held firm Gary Davies, Billy Humphrey and Dale Burnley all making telling tackles. Medway counter attacked well with clean line breaks by Wadsworth supported by Rumsey.
Both teams had opportunities to score as the half went on but could not retain the ball when it mattered most. Park House always looked dangerous and with 10 minutes of the half remaining put together a fine series of plays Medway defence was stretched Park House moved the ball wide and went over in the corner for a fine try. The try was converted with a quality kick and the visitors were ahead.
Medway had the opportunity to retake the half time lead but the resultant kick went wide of the posts and they went into half time trailing by 7-6.
The second half started with Medway looking to pin the visitors back deep in their half using the kicking game. Rumsey, Ellis and Longstaff were effective in chasing the kick frequently forcing the defender into touch behind his forwards. Park House always looked to counter this with ball in hand.
The second half deadlock was broken by Medway. Some great driving play and quick ruck ball saw the ball moved wide Humphrey stood the defenders up unloaded to Burnley who outstripped the cover defence to score out wide. The try was unconverted and Medway led 11-7.
Park House re-shuffled their pack and changed their backline using, all of their bench, to try and turn the match round. They ran the ball from deep on several occasions with good interplay between forwards and backs but they could not breach the home defence.
Medway held firm, Good lineout work by Lancaster stole several Park House throw ins and Ruffell, Wadsworth and Evans cleared the home lines and ensured the visitors threat was kept at bay.
Victory was sealed for the home side when the visitors were penalised at a ruck on their own 22m. Longstaff, a last minute replacement for Shome injured in the warm up, stepped up and calmly slotted the kick to put the score at 14-7.
Park House looked to run the ball at every opportunity but the clock was against them and Medway held out for victory. The visitors were disappointed but gracious in defeat. Medway’s young side are continuing to develop and will be keen to take the good form into next weeks vital league encounter. With players returning next week competition for places will make for interesting mid week training.
Greenwich 6 Medway 79
Medway travelled to Greenwich on Saturday looking for a win to maintain their title push. The match kicked off in fine weather conditions for running rugby. From the start Medway dominated the set piece but squandered a number of early opportunities. Greenwich were making last ditch tackles on their own goal line so it was inevitable that the visitors would get reward for the dominance they were showing in the end.
After 10 minutes of sustained pressure No 8 Billy Humphrey touched down after a fine driving maul. Glen Wadsworth converted and Medway led 7-0. Within 5 minutes Medway scored again. Good lineout ball was passed out Burnley broke the gain line the forwards cleaned out at the ruck and the ball went wide for Rumsey to go over in the corner. This was unconverted.
Greenwich showed character and from rare ventures into Medway territory kicked two splendid penalties to make the score 12-6.
Medway, however, were too strong for a Greenwich team who never gave up but could not contain their visitors. Four more first half tries followed from Weobley, Evans, Humphrey and Ellis.
With the score at half time Greenwich informed the referee that a front row player had to leave the field and they had no replacement for that position. The referee was forced to instruct the players that uncontested scrums would take place.
The second half proved no respite for the home side even though the scrums were uncontested. The visitors scored 7 second half tries. Humphrey with 2, Ellis added a second to his earlier effort as did Weobley. Monish, Worthington and Wadsworth also crossed the line. Wadsworth added 7 conversions and Medway ran out victors by 79 points to 6.
This was a great team performance from the Medway players. The rugby was exciting. They used width and power against a spirited Greenwich team who to their credit never gave up. Weobley, Morris and Deacon were outstanding in the front five and the new midfield of Wadswoth, Burnley and Monish were a delight to watch. Ruffel at 9 marshalled his player well. With a tremendous platform laid by the front 5 young No 8 Humphrey was the top try scorer with 4. All in all this was an excellent performance for an ever improving team.
Old Williamsonians 0 Medway 8
Top of the table clashes are always going to be a tense affair. When the teams are local rivals and one of the teams has just lost one of its club stalwarts and it is inevitable that the teams are going to be on edge and that no quarter is given and this Kent League 3 match was no exception.
Indeed before the game started both teams held a very respectful one minute silence in respect of club stalwart, Mick Burford, who died on Monday. Then straight from the off the pattern of the game was set. Williamsonians knew from their first clash with Medway that they would be under intense pressure in the tight and so despite the windy conditions and their sloping pitch tried to move the ball across the field whenever they could. They made some early inroads and Medway indiscipline gave away penalties. Somewhat surprisingly Williamsonians failed to convert the two kickable chances and Medway then settled to the task. With their scrum exerting immense pressure and their dynamic driving forward play they started to squeeze the life out of their opponent’s game. This eventually resulted in a frantic ruck under the Williamsonians’ posts and despite them recovering the ball the clearance kick was charged down over the line by Medway centre Dale Burnley who touched down. The try was unconverted.
All credit to the home side as they attacked the Medway line with vigour and whilst Medway readjusted to losing scrum half Longstaff to an injury and had to reshuffle their half backs, launched desperate attacks on the Medway try line. Very dogged Medway defence and a lack of composure meant they did not cross the line.
The 2nd half carried on in a similar vein and apart from one counter attack down the wing the home side had little real attacking threat. The more the game went on the more the Medway forward dominance and all round aggressive tackling told. Williamsonians defended their line with great credit and did well to stop a Medway drive over their line from being converted into a try when the referee was unsighted. However they started to concede more penalties and Dafydd Ruffell converted one of these opportunities to extend the Medway lead. Try as hard as they might the home side could not breach the Medway defence and towards the end of the 2nd half found themselves on the back foot more and more, with stand off Wadsworth putting in some punishing positional kicks. The last passage of play summed it all up as the home side tried to move the ball on the half way line and their centre found himself hit very hard in a fair tackle by Medway winger Simon Rumsey and the considerable bulk of prop Peter Deacon as they projected him into touch.
On a final note the sadly missed Mick Burford was a prop forward throughout his career and he would have been particularly proud of the Medway front fives commanding display in this game.
Trojans 27 Medway 24 - EDF Energy Junior Vase Round 4
Medway’s fine run in the Junior vase came to an end on Saturday at the hands of Trojans RFC. Trojans currently top of Hampshire Division One and with a scoring average of 50 points in the league were massive favourites to beat the underdogs from Kent Division Three. Medway did not read the script and fell just short of producing the fourth giant killing feat of the season in a magnificent match to watch.
Medway showing four changes from the side that beat Bexley the week before were not overawed by the occasion. They started well took the game to the home side, the front 5 of Deacon, Connell, Head, Morris and Weobly were more than a match for the home tight 5. With Humphrey, Burnley and Captain Dominic Collins tenacious in the loose early pressure was rewarded with a penalty which Ruffell converted successfully. The home side came back immediately with a penalty of their own to level the scores at 3-3.
Both sides were trying to play expansive rugby. Trojans however looked the stronger out wide and following a Medway handling error the Trojans backs counter attacked and scored a fine breakout try under the posts. Within two minutes of the kick off they scored another excellently worked try out wide and with both converted led 17-3. Trojan supporters must have thought that they were in for another rampaging victory. Their team looked to run wide again to put the game out of reach however winger Simon Rumsey intercepted in his own 22m when Medway were stretched and went all the way to score. Ruffell converted and Medway were back at 17-13.
Medway reduced the arrears to just one point when Ruffell added a further penalty following the home side being caught offside at a ruck. Trojans were rattled and Medway with good ball retention were starting to exert sustained pressure with the half backs of Longstaff and Ruffell particularly prominent. Despite the best efforts of both sides the thoroughly entertaining half ended at 17-16 to the home side.
The second half began with Trojans in the ascendancy for the opening 10 minutes and a well worked set piece move put their winger over in the corner for them to lead 22-16. This was followed 5 minutes later when some missed tackles saw Trojans put another try on the board to take the lead out to 27-16.
Medway were not about to capitulate. They showed the character that has been developed in the side this season. Some good defence from Williams, Ellis, Worthington and Evans ensured the home side did not add to the try tally. With time running out Medway were pressing the home side hard. Excellent ball retention ensured the pressure was maintained.
Medway brought on impact players Pinder and Morant to up the intensity and this paid dividends. The pressure told first with a penalty by Ruffell. Medway thought they had scored shortly afterwards when Morris went over. This was not given by the referee who was unsighted. It must be noted that the referee had a good game and contributed to what was a fine spectacle.
Keeping the pressure on Medway set up a series rucks near the home line, Longstaff put width on the ball and Ellis went over in the corner for an unconverted try. The whistle went for full time shortly after and Trojans supporters blew a huge sigh of relief. They had been pushed to brink of defeat by the Kent Division Three outfit.
Medway went out of the tournament with the praise of the sporting home crowd and coaches ringing in their ears. Fielding 8 players under 20 years this was an impressive performance.
Medway’s next match sees them travel away to Snowdown RFC in a vital Kent Division Three fixture.
Bexley and Medway After The Game
Medway 14 Bexley 0
This match between the top two sides in the league was, as one would expect, very keenly contested by both sides. Medway having lost the season opener at Bexley were keen to turn the result around and go clear at the top.
The conditions were not ideal for expansive rugby being heavy underfoot after heavy rain overnight. Bexley won the toss and chose to play against the elements. Medway kicked off and immediately pinned Bexley back in their own 22m. After 5 minutes ball from a scrum was fed to the backs who created space to put Danny Williams over in the corner. Ruffell failed with the conversion but Medway were ahead 5-0. After such an early strike and Medway dominating in front of a good crowd it looked as if more scores would follow. This was not the case. Bexley with their big forwards looked to keep the ball tight always using their backs to bring the ball back to the forwards.All too often in an effort to force turnovers Medway conceded unnecessary penalties and good field position was lost.
The pattern for the first half remained the same. Medway would get good field position then concede a needless penalty and Bexley cleared their lines. The only other score of the half came just before half time when, for once, it was Bexley who were caught offside at the breakdown. Ruffell kicked the resultant penalty and Medway led 8-0 at the half.
The second half followed much the same pattern. Bexley looked to use their big forward and punch close at all times. Weobly, Smith, Collins, Humphrey and Burnley worked exceptionally hard to stop Bexley threatening the home line.
As the half wore on Bexley big forwards started to tire. Deacon, Connell and Head began to get the upper hand in the tight. With more ball, the backs fed well by Longstaff asked questions of the Bexley defence. Rumsey, Worthington, Williams, Kempt and Wadsworth all looked dangerous but could not achieve that vital breakthrough.
After 25 minutes Medway’s pressure started to tell, two quick penalties saw Ruffell extend the home sides advantage to 14 points to nil.
Bexley however would relinquish the match easily they showed spirit and determination and it took some exceptional defending on the home sides line to keep out some strong drives from the visitors.
Medway were the deserved winners in the end and although pleased with the win will need to work on a number of things on the training ground if they are to continue their improvement and drive for promotion. Medway have still to travel to an improving Snowdown and promotion rivals OldWilliamsonians so they must not show any complacency.
Medway 17 Crawley 0 - EDF Energy Junior Vase
Medway continued their remarkable Vase run with their third consecutive victory against higher league opposition on Saturday. Although a tremendous result it was tempered with the news that outstanding second row forward, Anthony Cross, had fractured his ankle.
This match was a tough encounter but Medway prevailed and were deserved winners. Playing against a strong wind the in the first half the home side forwards took the game to the visitors. They carried the ball hard to Crawley who were taken aback with the quality of the Kent division threes forwards.
Gray, Connell and Head dominated the visitor’s front row and denied them the platform they needed to gain good field position. The midfield of Ruffell, Worthington and Williams gave their opposite numbers no room to attack.
Medway pressed Crawley hard all day and apart from one ten minute spell towards the end of the game Crawley never looked like scoring. Crawley were often forced to run from the ball off the back foot with the home forwards dominating.
The opening score of the game came after 25 minutes when Moles picked up a loose ball wide following good defence from Longstaff and Kempt he broke the visitors line in his own 22m and scampered up the touchline to just short of the try line where having drawn the cover defence he popped the ball inside to Rumsey who supporting from the opposite wing ran round under the posts to score. Ruffell converted and Medway led 7-0.
Medway had a further blow when vice captain Liam Weobley was forced to leave the field with a cut wrist.
Despite this Medway went into half time 7-0 up.
With the elements at their back in the second half Medway were keen to cement their dominance and quickly pressed hard. Crawley were caught handling in the ruck and Longstaff kicked the resultant penalty to put the home side further ahead at 10-0.
Crawley tried to break out on several occasions but the back row of Smith, Collins, Davis and replacement Farrow (on for Cross) tackled hard and gave the visitors scant opportunity.
Medway were dominating and pressed the visitor’s line hard. Their defence was excellent stopping Davies short twice. But the pressure had to tell eventually and it was Connell who sealed the game. He had run hard on a number of occasions and thoroughly deserved his try crashing over after breaking a number of Crawley tackles en route. Ruffell converted and Medway led 17-0.
Medway put fresh legs on with Pinder and Jenkins. Crawley just had no answer.
They still continued to battle for pride and for the last 10 minutes maintained good possession and pressed the home side line hard but stout defence ensured the clean sheet and Medway’s eighth consecutive win to the delight of the home crowd.
Kings College Hospital 5 Medway 23
Medway travelled to Dulwich on Saturday afternoon missing several players through injury to take on KCH. Playing into a strong breeze in the first half Medway were forced to defend for long periods. KCH looked to take the game to the visitors and dominated the half by good play and not just weather conditions. The first score of the match was against the run of play when one of the home forwards was caught handling in the ruck on the edge of his own 22m. Ruffell stepped up and converted the penalty to give the visitors a 3-0 flattering lead.
The lead was short lived. Within 5 minutes a defensive mistake saw KCH move the ball wide and put their winger over in the corner for a well taken try. The try was unconverted.
KCH piled on the pressure. Medway unusually conceded penalties and could not retain the ball well enough to break out. KCH turned down the chance to kick at goal and went to the corner several times. Medway held firm…just. KCH were much the better side and will be disappointed not to have put other scores on the board before the half.
At half time Medway re-grouped and came out knowing exactly what was required of them if they were to maintain their excellent start to the season. With the breeze at their back and a game plan in place Medway looked to up their level of performance. They had to.
Good line kicking from Ruffell gave the visitors the field position they desired. The front five of Head, Connell, Deacon, Cross and Captain Liam Weobley began to dominate the set piece. Medway were now in the ascendancy and pounded KCH in their 22m area. This pressure eventually told and from a series of rucks and drives and good work by Smith and Lancaster hooker Connell went over for a deserved try. This was unconverted but Medway now lead for the first time 8-5.
With Medway getting the upper hand in the set piece KCH looked to move the ball wide early but Ruffell, Williams and Kempt were particularly prominent in snuffing out these attempts. Rumsey, Evans and Jenkins ensured nothing got behind them and Medway ensured KCH were pinned back for almost the entire half.
Despite being pinned back KCH defended strongly. Although under constant pressure they did not fold. But the pressure had to tell eventually. With 15 minutes remaining KCH were caught offside close to their line. Medway declined the kick and opted to scrummage. At the third attempt following further penalties and scrums Medway drove over and stand in No 8 Gary Davies claimed the try with good ball control at the base. Ruffell converted and Medway led 15-5.
Within two minutes of the re-start Medway had forced KCH to concede a lineout near their goal line. Medway caught and drove and Weobley went over to cap a fine individual performance. This was unconverted but the game had was now in the bag. Medway looked to pile on the scores but KCH despite being dominated in set piece held firm. The final score came with the last kick of the match. With the referee indicating that the game was over after a penalty award, Ruffell stepped up converted the penalty and the match was a victory to the visitors by 23 points to 5.
Medway took the spoils but credit to the home side whose performance belied their league standing. Medway had been given one of their toughest matches to date.
Medway will need to improve if they are to have any chance against Crawley in next weeks EDF Energy Vase match.
Medway 63 Greenwich 0
Medway went into this important league fixture following last weeks fine cup win over Division 1 opposition full of confidence. Played in ideal rugby conditions Medway produced a fine display of 15 man rugby to run out convincing winners by 63-0.
Despite the convincing score line the visitors never gave up and scrapped for everything. They showed character right up to the final whistle with their endeavour to put points on the board. However the day belonged to an ever improving young Medway team ably led by the man of the match Dominic Collins.
From the kick off Medway looked to take the game to the visitors and good driving runs from Humphrey, Smith and Collins had the visitors hanging on. Greenwich were forced to concede the penalty and Ruffell converted to open the scoring.
Within 5 minutes the home side forced their way to the visitor’s line Connell picked and drove Morris and Deacon cleared out well and Turnland went over from short range for the first of two tries. The try went unconverted.
Greenwich came back and forced Medway onto the back foot but solid defence kept the visitors at bay. Having cleared their line the impressive Cross stole another lineout ball for Medway against the throw and this resulted in some fine handling from the backs to send Williams in for the first of his 2 tries. Ruffell converted and Medway led 15-0.
The pattern for the game was now set. Medway dominated both the set piece scrum, Deacon and Head particularly prominent, and the lineout with Cross providing the platform. This possession allowed Ruffell to set his backs free. They stretched Greenwich at every opportunity. Moles, Rumsey, Jenkins and Kempt showed their handling skills and running lines to put Williams over for his second try. This was unconverted.
On the stroke of half time Turnland fed Connell who crashed over close to the posts. Ruffell converted and Medway led 27-0 at the half.
The second half was all pressure from Medway. To the visitors credit they defended well but with Medway’s set piece dominance it was all one way traffic.
Further tries followed, the first was a penalty try when Greenwich following a series of scrums on their own line came round off-side to prevent a certain score. The referee had no choice but to award the penalty try. Ruffell converted.
As the half progressed more tries followed. Turnland and Connell added to their first half strikes Ruffell converted both and Medway led 48-0. Krasij was sent on to continue his development and give Head a rest following some impressive recent performances
Medway were forced to make further changes when both the lively Moles and Humphrey had to leave the field. Both were playing well and the injuries will be cause for concern for next weeks match. Their replacements Lancaster and Evans were involved immediately. Evans went close twice within a few minutes only to be denied by some good defence.
From the resultant scrum Ruffell scampered over. This was followed by further tries from Rumsey, who had a good all round game, and Dominic Collins assisted by Lancaster to complete the match.
Medway were worthy winners against a Greenwich side who never dropped their heads. The match was very open and a joy to watch.
Guys Hospital 13 Medway 17 - EDF Energy Junior Vase
Kent Division 3 team, Medway travelled away to Guys Hospital on Saturday in the 2nd round of the Vase. Guys were the overwhelming favourites to win the match, coming from 2 leagues higher, and full of confidence from a fine victory the week before.
Medway made several changes from the victory over Old Williamsonians as the club sought to use the full extent of their squad and create healthy competition for places.
The game started with Medway playing into the wind on a fine playing surface. The early exchanges saw both sides trying impose themselves on the other. Guys looked to play an expansive game and stretch the Medway defence. Good tackles out wide early on from Moles, Rumsey and Jenkins kept the home side at bay. Once Medway got their hands on the ball it was all about ball retention into the strong wind. Some fine drives from Humphreys, Smith,Krasij and Morris backed up by intelligent distribution from debutant scrum half Kurt Turnlund put the home side on the back foot.
With Medway retaining the ball and driving up field the home were side unable to take advantage of the wind. Medway were rewarded for their solid tactics when, match of the match, Connell finished an excellent driving move well marshalled by Captain Collins. The kick was unconverted and Medway took a surprising 5-0 lead.
The home side were stung into action. They realised they were in for a tough afternoon and upped their game. Medway were pinned back on their own line as Guys looked to breach the Medway defence. Stretched as they were, their organised defence held firm. Guys were reduced to kicking a penalty awarded for offside to make the score 5-3.
The pattern continued for the first half Guys looking to go wide and Medway driving the ball against the wind. Medway’s well drilled lineout and solid scrummaging provided the platform for the drives. With 10 minutes of the half remaining Medway stunned Guys when Turnlund finished off a fine passage of driving taking the ball to the blind after the home sides defence had been sucked in with some desperate defence. The try was unconverted and Medway led 10-3.
Guys came back and Medway’s backs held firm. Kempt and Williams, both, making some great last ditch tackles. As the half approached Medway were under pressure and in trying to clear their lines the home team’s captain charged down the attempted clearance kick re-gathered the ball and scored. The conversion was missed to leave the half time score 10-8 at to the underdogs Medway.
The second half started with Medway trying to pin the home side deep in their own half. Guys looked to run everything back and the game became a much more open affair. Medway were to defending well. As soon as a turnover was forced they looked to kick deep, Guys continually sought to counter attack. Great viewing but both sets of supporters were on tenterhooks to see who could make the telling first score of the half. Medway looked to bring on fresh legs. Head came on at tight head and from the very first scrum after Medway drove Guys off their own ball, a series of drives after saw Connell go over for his second try. Rumsey kicked the conversion and Medway now lead 17-8.
The rest of the game belonged to the home side. Collins was forced to leave the field, (and is a concern for next weeks important league game) to be replaced by Thompson.
With 10 minutes remaining Guys scored a well taken try from broken play. A fine conversion put the score at 13-17. The young Medway side however were not to be denied their giant killing feat and hung on desperately to secure a famous win.
Medway 16 Old Williamsonians 0 - Kent League Division 3
Medway’s young new squad took on Old Williamsonian’s the free scoring league leaders at Priestfield on Saturday. The match was watched by a large crowd boosted by the presence of the 1985 Medway 1st XV reunion luncheon and a large contingent from the visitors.
The match was a keenly contested affair by both sides. Old Williamsonians played with the elements in the first half and clearly dominated the opening exchanges. Good solid defence by Medway kept the on form visitors at bay. As the half wore on the home side’s game plan of retaining possession and keeping the ball tight frustrated the visitors expansive game.
The visitors were awarded three penalties all between the half and 10m line but each kick was narrowly unsuccessful. The home side grew in confidence despite the loss of fly half Longstaff through injury grew stronger. As the game wore on Medway were rewarded with a penalty of their own in front of the visitors posts stand in kicker Matt Jackson slotted the penalty and Medway against the elements secured the lead 3-0.
With 10 minutes of the half remaining Medway No 8 Humphreys picked and drove from a scrum in his own 22m; there followed a most impressive passage of play from the forwards which saw them continually pick and drive the ball all the way to the opposition line for Humphreys to finish what he started. The conversion was unsuccessful and Medway led 8-0.
With the Medway forwards dominating the set piece the visitors were unable to utilise the strength of their talented backs and the half ended with Medway leading 8-0.
The second half started with another injury blow for the home side when scrum half Matt Jackson was forced to leave the field. A re-shuffle of the home team was required and this allowed the visitors to come back into the game. However despite their early second half pressure they were unable to breach the home sides defence. Kempt, Moles, and Williams all making good tackles.
Medway always looked to carry the ball strongly at the visitors and were rewarded when ‘water boy’ Smith broke several tackles down the narrow side to eventually unload to the stand in scrum half Rumsey for a decisive score. This was however unconverted.
Despite this setback the visitors always looked to play their expansive game but Medway’s forwards proved too strong in the set piece. Captain Dom Collins drove his forwards on. The front row of Deacon, Connell and Head were backed up by Cross and man of the match Weobly and Williamsonians struggled to get any quality ball.
Evans put the match beyond doubt converting a penalty from the 10 m line to give Medway a secure 16-0 lead. The visitors nevertheless did not give in. Whatever ball they won they ran but Medway’s backs led by Kempt stood firm. Stand in fullback Jenkins cleared his lines. Replacement back row Lancaster added mobility and tenacity and Medway secured the vital win. Favourites Old Williamsonians were defeated.
The visitor’s players were a credit to their club and the game of Rugby with both their sporting behaviour during the game and their attitude in defeat.
Coach Taff Gwilliam was encouraged with the young Medway’s teams success saying that the commitment to training was beginning to pay dividends.
Edenbridge 3 Medway 21
Medway made a long trip to Edenbridge a bright start by the home side and assisted with sloppy defence by Medway allowed Edenbridge to take the lead after only to mins with a converted penalty goal. Medway hit straight back with strong driving mauls and secure line out procession resulted with 2 penalties converted by Rob Longstaff Edenbridge managed to hold on to the a daffiest of 6 -3 at half time.
The second half commenced with good defence by both sides the brake thought came after 20 mins when an Edenbridge clearance kick was fielded by Medway’s full back Dave Evans through counter attacks braking several tackles feeding to winger Alan Moles who sprinted 30 meters to score to make it 11 – 6. A changed down by centre Danny Williams was fielded by Longstaff who sprinted 40 meters to score under the post (converted by Longstaff.)
Poor discipline by the Edenbridge pack resulted with 2 Edenbridge players being sinned binned for the finale 5 minutes with time running out Medway opted for a penalty goal converted by Longstaff to close out an away good win.
Medway 14 Erith 11 After Extra Time
This was a game Medway never thought they was going to win, with Erith being top of Kent two. But from the kick off Medway was on the attack and was camped on the Erith try line after two scrums and a lineout full back David Evans ran through the Erith line at pace to put Medway 5 - 0 after five minutes. After the restart Erith pressed hard and soon Medway gave away a penalty and Erith Kicked at Goal and made it 5 - 3 after ten Minutes. After the first ten minutes the game settled down and the game was played mostly in the centre of the pitch. Medway were soon knocked back a peg when a offside was given against them on there 22 meter line and the Erith kicker slotted the ball over to make it 5 - 6. This seemed to fire up Medway's forwards who started to push Erith all over the park and soon Medway was awarded a penalty and Robert Longstaff slotted the ball over to make it 8-6 at half time.
With a few words from coach Taff Gwilliam and skipper Dominic Collins in the interval Medway restarted the game with the sun in there eyes and a strong wind against them it was Medway's forwards that kept Medway in Erith's half for most of the second half with lots of injury time being added with players from both sides and some poor play from both sides Medway was awarded a penalty and again Longstaff slotted over to Make it 11 - 6. After some hard play and some bad Refereeing Erith was given a penalty after a line out and they just got the 3 points as the ball just went over the cross bar 11 - 9. With almost 15 minutes of injury time to be played Medway Captain kept his team together until the 79th Minute when Erith was awarded a penalty which put both scores at 11 all at full time.
With the being a cup game this now ment another 2 ten minute half's Medway's young lads soon put Erith under presser and Erith gave Medway a penalty which Robert Longstaff kicked and with the ball bouncing off of the cross bar Medway were now 14 - 11 at the turn around in extra time. Erith had a player yellow carded just after the restart and was not looking like coming back in to the game.
Medway 18 Snowdon 10
Medway played there first home game of the league season. After a bad first ten minutes where the lads who are the youngest side Medway have ever put out where very nevus and made silly mistakes. They settled down and the game started to look like it was going to be there day. With Snowdon not looking like scoring. After twenty minutes Medway was camped on Snowdons tryline and with 6 or 7 scrums on the trot Medway got there first try following a push over try and No8 Billy Humphrey getting the try.
Snowden then came strate back and with in minutes the score was 5-5 Then again Medway was the more dominant side camping in Snowdon's half and just before half time Andrew Connell made a brake through and went over to make it 10 - 5 at half time.
The second half was very much of the same with Medway dominating the game after 15 minutes Snowdon got an intercept and broke through to make it 10 - 10 By this time Snowdon was starting to suffer from all the running around on Medway's large pitch and soon Medway was awarded a penalty with Robert Longstaff kicking not at his best he slotted the ball over the posts to make it 13 -10 and with only two minutes to go Robert Longstaff went over to get his first try of the season 18 -10 was the final score.
Medway are at home next weekend in the Junior cup V Erith RFC Kick 3pm
